Construction Begins for Submarine Escape Trainer

GROTON, Conn. (NNS) -- Engineering Field Activity Northeast, Naval Submarine School and Naval Submarine Base (SUBASE) New London marked the commencement of construction of a new Submarine Escape Trainer at groundbreaking ceremonies on SUBASE New London Nov. 2.

The facility’s initial construction cost, to support training with the MK-10 Submarine Escape Immersion Equipment (SEIE), is $13.1 million, with construction to be completed by the summer of 2007. Modifications for additional support will make the total cost $17 million, and training is slated to commence in the summer of 2008.

"This SEIE facility will put the U.S. Navy back on par with the level of escape trainers now found in England and Australia," said Lt. Joel McMillan, assistant Resident Officer in Charge of Construction.

A prominent feature of the new escape training facility will be the 36-foot-high Rapid Ascent Tower, required for both orientation of officer and enlisted Naval Submarine School students as well as for pre-deployment training for Groton-based submarine crews

The Submarine Escape Training Facility will not only provide submarine Sailors with the real-time experience of the psychological and physical effects of pressurized escape from a submarine, but will allow them to also build confidence in submarine escape equipment and methodology.

The facility will include spaces for training, administration, medical offices maintenance and storage.

"NAVFAC often gets to build trainers, but not one this unique," said McMillan. "I'm sure that its exploits will undoubtedly be retold by every submariner who goes through it."

For related news, visit the Submarine Learning Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/slc/.